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We all know oatmeal is good for us, but do you know how much it can really benefit you? Find out the whys and the hows of this incredibly healthy food by reading these 5 health benefits oatmeal provides!
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1. Oatmeal
decreases the levels of cholesterol in your blood as well as your risk of
cardiac diseases
The FDA
approved, in a unique move, a health label on oatmeal packages that
explains how soluble fibers from oatmeal, as part of a low trans-fat diet,
can decrease your chances of being afflicted with heart conditions. This
was based on 30 years of research into oatmeal and its
benefits.
2. Oatmeal
helps digestion processes
The soluable fibers in oatmeal are taken apart in
the lower intestine by resident bacteria. Those fibers that were not taken
apart increase the volume of food and hasten bowel movements. This method
decreases the likelihood of inflammatory diseases in the lower intestine,
including hemorrhoids.
Tip: To enjoy these benefits,
drink plenty of water. Consuming these fibers without drinking can cause
constipation, stomach ache and gas.
3. Oatmeal
and blood sugar levels
Again, we turn to the soluble fibers, which slow
down the absorption of carbohydrates, and so prevent sharp increases in
blood sugar levels. A 10 year long research was published in the American
Journal of Public Health and has showed that consuming about 1 cup of
cooked oatmeal a day, 2-4 times a week, will decrease the risk of type II
diabetes by 16%. When you bring it up to 5-6 times a week - the risk goes
down by 39%.
4. Getting
thinner with oatmeal
Oatmeal adds volume to the food by absorbing the
liquid around it. In addition, the fibers slow the digestion process and
give us a feeling of being full for longer periods of
time.
5. Oatmeal
improves quality of sleep
People who consumed oatmeal before going to bed
have demonstrated better and higher quality sleep than people who didn't.
Oatmeal contains the essential amino acid tryptophan (one of the protein
building blocks which we only get from food). tryptophan is a source
material for creating melatonin (as well as serotonin). A lack in
melatonin will cause sleeping problems, while an increase in tryptophan
will prolong our deep sleep.
Recommended amount per
day: The general recommendation is about 4-5 spoons a day (can make a porridge of it), so you too can start enjoying the health benefits of oatmeal (at about 25-30 grams a day). |